The lipid cubic phase or in meso method for crystallizing proteins. Bushings for better manual dispensing
Citation:
Caffrey, M. Eifert, R. Li, D. Howe, N., The lipid cubic phase or in meso method for crystallizing proteins. Bushings for better manual dispensing, Journal of Applied Crystallography, 47, 5, 2014, 1804 - 1806Download Item:
Abstract:
The lipid cubic phase or
in meso
method can be used to set up crystallization
trials of soluble and membrane proteins. The cubic phase is noted for being a
sticky and viscous mesophase. Dispensing the protein-laden mesophase by hand
into wells on crystallization plates has been facilitated by the use of an
inexpensive repeat dispenser. However, the assembled dispensing device is
prone to damage. Specifically, the delicate plunger used to dispense the viscous
mesophase by positive displacement can be bent and scarred when the locking
nut that fixes the plunger to the ratchet-driven dispensing mechanism is
inadvertently overtightened. A defective plunger can render the device useless
as a dispensing tool. More importantly, it can lead to catastrophic loss of
valuable protein and lipid due to leakage when the dispensing syringe is being
recharged with fresh mesophase. This note describes two types of bushings
designed to protect the plunger from mechanical damage, which provide facile
and reliable dispenser performance. One is a split bushing in brass and is a
highly durable solution. The other is a small sleeve made from readily available
plastic tubing. While it lacks durability, the plastic sleeve is simple yet highly
effective, and can be replaced as the need arises
Sponsor
Grant Number
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
12/IA/1255
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/mcaffreDescription:
PUBLISHED
Author: CAFFREY, MARTIN
Sponsor:
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)Type of material:
Journal ArticleCollections
Series/Report no:
Journal of Applied Crystallography47
5
Availability:
Full text availableSubject:
lipid cubic phaseDOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1107/S1600576714015702Metadata
Show full item recordThe following license files are associated with this item: